Archive for July, 2010

Knoydart House, Mallaig If you are looking for something a bit different in terms of self-catering accommodation, Knoydart House, by Mallaig is outstanding. This stunning, luxury, eco designed, hideaway on the remote Knoydart Peninsula, comes complete with not one but two private moorings and one of the best lochside hot tub views in the UK. The Knoydart Penninsula is located on the North West of Scotland and is 107 miles from the nearest city. It is unbelievably still not accessible by road even in this day and age. There is one stretch of road, approx 9 miles long but local vehicle owners enjoy the same benefits as if they lived on a small island as they are not required to pay road tax or M.O.T their cars! Getting There There are two ways to get to Knoydart, with the most popular being the ferry from Mallaig or for the more adventurous, there is a long walk (17 miles)from Kinloch Hourn (the nearest place that is connected to the main road) Scenery Overlooking Loch Nevis and the Small Isles, Knoydart House is sited in some of the most romantic and remote scenery in Scotland. The house itself sleeps 10 in 5 luxurious bedrooms and is accessible only by boat offering a very unique island-like lifestyle. It really is a true wilderness holiday on a highland estate for groups, families, artists, munro baggers, walking/climbing enthusiasts There is fishing, sea-kayaking, bird watching, red deer stalking and photography all on your doorstep. Or perhaps you would rather just take…

Going away on holiday is very exciting and normally very busy in the lead up to the holiday. There’s always last minute organisation that can often be quite stressful. To make life easier, here are a few ideas of things to remember in your suitcase. Before you go Don’t forget to cancel the milk/paper deliveries as there’s nothing worse than coming back to a pile on your return! You also might want to tell the neighbours you’re away so they can keep an eye on your place and also keep any deliveries that arrive whilst you are away. 1. Electronic equipment Probably top of most people’s list is a camera and/or camcorder but don’t forget the chargers and any necessary adaptors if you are travelling from abroad. 2. Travel information Obviously if you are travelling from abroad, don’t forget your passport and tickets and any information on car hire. If you are travelling via ferry to Ireland or one of the Islands off the coast, make sure you have all the relevant booking information. Ensure that you also have the contact details of the owner or manager of the holiday cottage that you have hired and directions of how to get there. 3. Sat Nav In addition to directions, Sat. Nav. can also mean that any travel to and from the holiday let is stress free and also any day trips to the beach or places of interest. 4. Travel guide A good old fashioned travel guide is a must if you wish to make the…

Enjoy the beautiful Island of Islay For those wishing to explore and experience life of the West coast of Scotland, why not consider the island of Islay which is the most southerly of the Inner Hebrides. The island which is easily accessible by road and by plane, boasts 130 miles of unspoilt coastline with a seemingly endless choice and variety of coastal scenery. There are small, enclosed sandy beaches, expansive strands of white sand, massive cliffs, and rocky pools. Islay’s climate is surprisingly warm because of the Gulf Stream and its weather is pleasant and sunny, more often than you might expect! Bird life– the location and scenery make Islay a sanctuary for bird-life. Any twitchers, no matter what age, will be amazed by the varieties found on this Scottish island. The famous barnacle geese, coughs, oyster catchers, herons, curlews and lapwings are all around and there is even the chance of spotting an eagle or a hen harrier. In addition to the birds, seals can be found in many areas of the island and otter sightings are not unusual. Whisky– Islay has 8 working distilleries – all of which are known around the world. Each of the distilleries welcomes visitors and whisky-lovers travel from far and wide to enjoy the Islay experience – especially during the annual Whisky Festival at the end of May. Golfers– Islay has a hidden gem – The Machrie Golf Links. This is an 18 hole championship course which is of a standard second to…

Booking a self catering holiday is a great idea for families with babies or young children as it provides great flexibility. You can arrange your day around your routines and mealtimes and it’s normally a cheaper option than staying in a hotel. Here are a few top tips on what to think about before you book. Research Before you book, do your research as self-catering cottages or homes can vary hugely. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and check the small print to see what facilities are available. Location, location, location The UK has a thriving industry of holiday accommodation with many cottages either near beaches or in beautiful rural locations. You might want to find out if there are any particular events happening close to the holiday property whilst you are there. For instance in Scotland in the summer, there are often highland games on which is a great day out for all the family. Additionally, if you’ve got children as well as a baby, ask yourself if you would rather be in a village, such as the beautiful Cotswolds, that has some facilities such as a park or a duck pond, or perhaps a beautiful beach in Cornwall, than a very rural location in the middle of nowhere? Standards of Accommodation Holiday accommodation can vary enormously in terms of facilities available so it is important to search for the most appropriate for you and your family’s needs. Many holiday cottages nowadays have dishwashers, TVs with satellite channels and good quality furniture. Some…

The latest holiday let to join WhichCottage.com is the Bothy. A new conversion of a small stone and timber barn set in the grounds of The Smithy, but completely private. Tombane is only five miles from Dunkeld on the Sma’ Glen road which is one of the old Wade roads. This is an ideal area to be based for easy access to Perth, Edinburgh and further north. Historic Perthshire Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl is just a short drive from this holiday let. With the earliest known part of the present castle dates from 1269 and the history extending over some 740 years. The castle is a must see for those visiting the heart of Highland Perthshire. Another castle to visit in Perthshire is Castle Menzies, this 16th century castle is ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies. It is located a little to the west of the small village of Weem, near Aberfeldy very close to the cottage. Dunkeld Just 5 miles from the holiday cottage is Dunkeld with its cathedral set on the banks of the Tay and the wonderful shops and restaurants. For those keen walkers, there are many beautiful and vaired walks including the Hermitage and Rumbling Bridge Falls. Bird Spotters For keen twitchers, there is an abundance of local birdlife, including buzzards, oystercatchers and curlews. Pitlochry Theatre A short drive from the self catering cottage is the town of Pitlochry with the well know Pitlochry theatre which has outstanding productions throughout the year. Family activities This area of Perthshire…

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